Lightning storms are awe-inspiring and dangerous natural phenomena. When you’re on the road during a thunderstorm, a crucial question might cross your mind: “What Happens When Lightning Strikes A Car?” Many believe that rubber tires offer protection, but is that really the case? Let’s delve into the science of lightning and automobiles to understand what truly occurs when these forces of nature collide.
The Path of a Lightning Strike on a Vehicle
Contrary to the myth about tires, it’s not the rubber that protects you. If you are outside of the car and leaning on it during a lightning storm, you are just as vulnerable as standing under a tree. However, a hard-topped metal car, with its windows closed, actually offers a significant degree of protection to those inside. This is due to the principle of a Faraday cage.
When lightning strikes a vehicle, it typically hits the highest point, which is often the antenna or the roofline. From there, the electricity follows the path of least resistance, traveling through the car’s metal outer shell. The current then proceeds through the vehicle’s structure and eventually discharges into the ground, often passing through the tires in the process.
Common Damage from a Lightning Strike
While being inside a car during a lightning strike is relatively safe for the occupants, the vehicle itself can sustain various forms of damage. It’s important to understand these potential impacts:
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Antenna and Electrical System Damage: The intense heat generated by a lightning strike can be enough to partially melt the car’s antenna. Furthermore, a surge of electricity can infiltrate the vehicle’s sensitive electrical system. This can lead to damage or complete failure of electronic components, potentially rendering the car undrivable.
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Rear Windshield Shattering: Many modern vehicles have embedded defrosting wires in the rear windshield. Lightning can travel through these thin wires, causing them to overheat rapidly and leading to the shattering of the rear window.
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Tire Damage: As the lightning current seeks ground, it often passes through the steel belts within the tires. This can cause significant damage, potentially leading to tire blowouts or rapid deflation. In some cases, one or more tires may be completely destroyed.
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Fire Risk: Although less common, there is a possibility that a lightning strike could ignite a fire. The heat and electrical energy can interact with flammable materials within the vehicle, posing a fire hazard that could potentially destroy the car.
Staying Safe in Your Car During Lightning
The good news is that the metal shell of a car acts as a Faraday cage, diverting the majority of the electrical current around the occupants. To maximize your safety during a thunderstorm while in your car:
- Pull over to a safe location if driving conditions become hazardous due to the storm.
- Ensure all windows are completely closed.
- Avoid touching any metal parts of the vehicle’s interior, such as door handles, steering wheel (metal components), or the radio.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting the vehicle to ensure the storm has truly passed.
In conclusion, while a lightning strike can cause damage to various parts of your car, the vehicle itself provides a protective shell for those inside. Understanding what happens when lightning strikes a car can help you stay informed and safe during severe weather conditions.
